Creating a Telecommuting Strategy

Creating a Telecommuting StrategyCreating a Telecommuting StrategyCreating a Telecommuting StrategyTelecommuting. Employees long for it, but many employers still have their doubts. For some employers, the obstacle to embracing telecommuting stems from a lack of trust in employees about flexible work arrangements.For others, trust isnt the issue, but a lack of experience in how to approach this arrangement is creating the roadblock. However, with the right strategy in distributions-mix, implementing a telecommuting program for your company can be a step in the right direction for all parties and can helpimprove employee engagement.Where Should You Start?First, outline a document with the reasons for the companys decision to consider telecommuting as an employee option. Create a list of the benefits associated with telecommuting. This is the easy part. Among the many employer/employee benefits are the potential for reduced commuting, improved staff morale, etc.Next, create a list of e ach change that is necessary for the company to launch its telecommuting program, i.e., what policies are necessary, what equipment will have to be purchased, which management issues need to be addressed, etc. Set guidelines regarding acceptable investments in equipment and office supplies as well. Its Policy TimeYes, even something as progressive as a telecommuting strategy requires policy and procedural guidelines. Your first step should be to define what telecommuting means for your organization. This isnt as easy as it sounds, since the definition of telecommuting will vary (at least slightly) for each company.Next, create a Telecommuting Request Form that you can use to consistently evaluate each employees fit (and cost) as a telecommuting candidate.Its also important to create a Telecommuting Agreement that eligible employees should review and sign. This agreement will include the followingA definition of the telecommuters work scheduleAn outline of the probationary period, if applicableA list of all work-related items provided by the companyYour Telecommuting Agreement should also include acknowledgement that the employeeWill take precautions to protect company items from damage or theftWill return all company property upon termination or resignation of employmentIsresponsible for addressing legal or tax-related issues that arise from his or her use of the home as a place of businessWho Gets to Telecommute?Once youve determined that telecommuting will work for your organization, how will you decide which employees are good candidates for telecommuting? Begin by establishing a series of standards that you will apply to every telecommuting request you receive.First and foremost, the type of position the employee has will be the primary factor in determining whether telecommuting is a viable option for them. Many positions will quickly be eliminated from consideration because they require too much supervision or daily involvement at the office to be practi cal for telecommuting. However, other positions may be ideal for telecommuting.Each job description should be analyzed to determine the feasibility of an off-site work arrangement. The suitability of a home working environment should also be assessed. In buchung to work effectively, the telecommuting employee will need a home-based office area with proper lighting and office furniture.Next, an employees tenure with the company can be used as a criterion in your decision-making process. Many companies require a minimum number of months of consecutive employment in order for employees to be eligible for telecommuting. By doing so, employers reward loyal staff and feel mora confident that these employees will succeed in this type of arrangement.Finally, employers place a great deal of trust in employees who work off-site. For this reason, employees with disciplinary problems should not qualify for telecommuting privileges. Establish a time period during which an employees discipline re cord must be clear prior to telecommuting eligibility.Similarly, employees with an above-average job performance history should be considered strong candidates for telecommuting. And, generally speaking, the most successful telecommuters are those who can utilize phone, email, and in-person communication with colleagues for support and guidance.Workplace SafetyAs the trend for shrinking office space andtelecommuting increases, and more workers dream of trading suits for bathrobes and sensible shoes for fuzzy slippers, the need for best practices in this area is clear.Taking the time to carefully craft a telecommuting strategy that meets the needs of both employee and employer will lay a strong foundation for shared telecommuting success.Typical elements of a telecommuting policyProcedure to request a telecommuting arrangementStatement that telecommuting is an employee privilege, and is not appropriate for all employeesStatement of compliance with existing and future OSHA and workers compensation regulationsTimekeeping and compensation guidelinesGuidelines for required communication by phone and email with supervisors and managersStatement of employers ability to discontinue telecommuting arrangement with notice